Berman's Fine Wines & Spirits Information

Berman's Wine and Spirits, incorporated in 1909, is located 12 miles NW of Boston and 4 miles from Cambridge in historic Lexington. Joel Berman represents the third generation of merchants; his son, Gregg, who works with him is 4th generation. Berman's Wines and Spirits began over a hundred years ago when Joel's grandfather drove a horse drawn wagon up and down Massachusetts Avenue, selling meat door to door. The wagon eventually became a storefront, a full grocery/dry goods business and, after prohibition, a licensed liquor store. Joel relates, "The town fathers came to my grandfather and offered him the first available liquor license in town due to his kind consideration of, and generosity to, those who didn't have enough money to pay him during the depression." In 1959, Berman's moved diagonally across the street to a larger location on Massachusetts Avenue. Shortly after starting at Berman's in 1962 Joel's passion for wine was born. By studying, tasting extensively and traveling to European vineyards, establishing contacts with both Italian and French grower/winemakers, he increased his wine knowledge and enhanced his reputation both at home and abroad. He studied French, then Italian, and speaks both languages fluently, which is a tremendous aid in ferreting out excellent albeit obscure wines. Joel bought out his uncle's interest in the business in 1972. Berman's is especially noted for carrying highly regarded, limited production wines from around the world, in addition to most popular favorites. Joel carefully sources and selects wines based on 45 years of tasting experience. By directly importing many of our featured wines, excellent price to quality ratios are maintained. Berman's monthly newsletter highlights many of the exceptional values and discoveries available at the shop with an analysis of trends, vintages and specific regions. In every issue, Joel identifies best buys from select growers with in depth analysis and tasting notes. The focus is alternately on various wine making areas of the world. Joel's love of wine is obvious in his writings, which are not condescending or pedantic, but are educational and insightful. Joel, his son Gregg, and a staff of experienced wine professionals pride themselves on assisting individual customer choices, for intimate dinned parties, larger affairs, or wines to cellar. Special order wines not stocked are gladly researched. Our store hours are:Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-9:00 pmFriday-Saturday: 8:30 am - 9:30 pmSunday: 12pm - 6 pm